Before I get started on last weekend's results and my
predictions for what lies ahead, I wanted to take a moment to pass
on some simple advice to the young players that I think would make
their lives just a tad easier.

First, I have noticed the trend over the last several years of
girls choosing not to wear gloves. I know gloves get stinky, but
they can make a world of difference if you happen to get your hand
checked or your fingers smashed during a shot. Unfortunately,
though, I have seen way too many girls holding their fingers in
pain throughout the course of the season. Just try gloves. You
might like them.

Second, do not tape the leathers to the pole of your stick.
Doing so makes it an absolute chore for you or your coach to
tighten your stick if it gets soaked or is otherwise illegal.
Rather than taping them to your pole, you can cut the leathers so
you can wrap them neatly around the front of the head and make two
small square knots that can easily be untied and tightened.

Third, it is always a good idea to have multiple sticks checked
at the stick check before the beginning of a game. You should also
have a backup stick that you bring to games so that, if you break
your stick or a leather or get called for an illegal pocket, you
will have another option.

These may be simple suggestions, but I've found that they less
you have to worry about during a game, the better you can play,
which is crucial at this time of year.

Now let's look back on the action from last weekend's NCAA
tournament first-round games. There were really only two surprises
for me this weekend: Albany beating Dartmouth 10-7 on the road, and
Princeton upsetting James Madison 11-10. Albany continues to roll,
maintaining its unblemished record in taking down a strong Ivy
League team. Princeton, on the other hand, was able to survive
another close game -- the Tigers' sixth win in 2011 decided by two
goals or fewer.

As we look forward to the upcoming weekend's quarterfinal games,
these are my thoughts:

Princeton at No. 1 Maryland

The first meeting this season between these two squads was won
by the Terps, 17-10. I see a similar outcome. I don't think
Princeton can run with Maryland for 60 minutes, but the Tigers may
be able to secure an upset if they can do two things: win the
possession battle and get a career day from Erin Tochiarra in the
cage.

Prediction: Maryland 18, Princeton 9.

No. 5 Duke at No. 4 Florida

I like this matchup and think it will be a high scoring affair.
Florida gets to play at home, where it has an impressive undefeated
record in 2011. Duke will make its seventh consecutive quarterfinal
appearance. Draw controls will be a huge stat to watch in this
game, and I believe the winner in the circle will advance.

Prediction: Duke 14, Florida 11.

No. 6 Loyola at No. 3 North Carolina

Both teams rolled easily into the quarterfinal round. Loyola is
on a tear after winning the Big East tournament, but the Tar Heels
have the edge here, with too much offensive firepower.

Prediction: North Carolina 14, Loyola 10.

No. 7 Albany at No. 2 Northwestern

Albany is the definite underdog, running on a lot of talent and
adrenaline. These teams are not that familiar with each other, but
I don't think that Northwestern will take this matchup lightly. For
some reason I think this game will be a low-scoring affair.